TOBi Signals New Chapter with Elements Vol. 2

A sequel five years in the making, the Toronto rapper reveals his evolving blueprint for connection.

By Adriel Smiley

Photos by Marissa Blair

Published on July 7, 2025

Five years ago, acclaimed Toronto rapper TOBi released his sophomore album, Elements Vol. 1. A versatile collection of tracks featuring some of his most successful releases, it took home a Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year and was shortlisted for the coveted Polaris Music Prize. Returning this summer with the sequel, fans can look forward to an unpredictable soundscape that offers a deeper look into his evolving perspective on life’s journey. Both sonically and personally, a lot has changed for TOBi since the first instalment.

If the name wasn’t already a dead giveaway, Elements Vol. 1 was always slated to have a sequel. Once the first was complete, he knew this would become a series, but the premeditation ends there. Instead, these albums are more of a time capsule.

“If the world is moving a certain way at a certain time, the Elements series is going to encapsulate that,” he says. “ The only thing is for this new one, I wanted more Canadians on it. That’s a fact. More Canadians. It’s mixed primarily by Canadians, mastered by Canadians, produced substantially by Canadians.“

He credits late hip-hop legend Nipsey Hussle, known for giving back substantially to his Los Angeles hometown, for this focus on community. Before his death in March of 2019, his slogan “The Marathon Continues” highlighted the importance of persistence and was a mantra for independent artists. His interviews were often as impactful as his music, a legacy that lived on even after his passing. TOBi has taken some of those principles to heart, becoming visibly animated in conversation with RANGE as he explains his own approach

“ I learned this from Nipsey Hussle,” he says. “Nipsey said ‘Why outsource when you can do it in-house?’ and you build the infrastructure at home. “

TOBi also mentions that he defines this part of his career by “taking risks,” giving the example of the artistic direction for his latest music video for lead single “Life Is A Jungle.”

“For Life Is A Jungle, we got a pole dancing artist in the video. And the reason why we did that is not even just to be like, ‘Oh, you have a pole dancer.’ This is an art form,” he says. “We’re contrasting that with me being an artist in the same room. And I start off the song saying ‘I’m an artist.’ But it’s also through her lens as well. It’s more surgical, you know. It’s more precise. “

The album showcases TOBi’s range, revealing the many facets of his artistry. Aside from being littered with Canadian talent, it sonically spans across genres, ranging from high-powered raps to more sultry R&B records. While his sound has been far-reaching over the last few projects, his Toronto roots emerge on “Who’s Driving You?,” a track which features Canadian legends Saukrates and Jully Black.

The way it came together was unexpected; he was originally sent the song by producer Don Mills, based in Miami. TOBi loved it right away, even before realizing the producer had interpolated Jully Black and Saukrates. The two icons lent their voices to the record and made it feel more complete. This song is meaningful to TOBi, from a perspective of more than just nostalgia.

“ I just feel like we can bend time with art,” he says.” “You could say we’re in 2025, but I’m gonna take you back to 1998 right now. I’m gonna take you back to 2008. To get the voice of Saukrates with this deep baritone, and Jully on the outro with her powerful voice riffing, and then melding it? Oh my goodness. I’m getting chills.”

“ I just feel like we can bend time with art.”

— TOBi

In the middle of the album, TOBi highlights another aspect of his heritage. The track “Changes” serves as an intermission, successfully bridging the braggadocious raps with the more heartfelt melodic records. While the lyrics lean into introspection, the production by Burd makes it the most danceable song on the album. Having a record like this was important to him.

“The reason why I wanted it on there is because of my heritage. I’m a Yoruba man. I want to retain that part of my artistry, that part of who I am,” he says. “So that’s why I was speaking Yoruba in the song and the reason why it’s where it’s at in the tracklist, because it’s a literal mood change.”

For TOBi, the usual pressure that many artists feel surrounding an impending release is non-existent. For an artist as established as he is, instead, there is always the question of what is next. Of course, there is growing the listenership and making more money, but for TOBi it’s a little more distinct. His definition of success stretches far beyond our borders.

“ With the few tours that I’ve done, every time I go to a new city and I meet a superfan, how do I engage that person deeper? And more people like them who would like this?” he says. “That’s what’s most important to me. I’ve never been to South Africa, but I’ve got a good following in South Africa, so doing a show in South Africa and connecting with people there, to me that’s success.”

As for the next instalment of the ELEMENTS series? We know a third one is happening, but when it comes to the direction it will be taking, we will just have to wait and see.